The Chinese smartphone manufacturer has added a second tablet to its South African lineup, positioning the new Pad SE as a more affordable alternative to the existing Pad Neo.
OPPO’s Pad SE arrives in local stores from 1 July priced at R6 000, sitting R1 000 below the Pad Neo’s approximate R7 000 price point. The new tablet prioritises battery longevity over premium features, targeting users who need reliable all-day performance without the higher-end specifications.
Battery life takes centre stage
The Pad SE’s standout feature is its substantial 9 340 mAh battery, which exceeds the Pad Neo’s 8 000m Ah capacity. OPPO claims this delivers up to 11 hours of continuous video playback or an impressive 80 hours of music streaming. The tablet supports 33W SuperVOOC fast charging to minimise downtime between sessions.
Perhaps more remarkably, the device can maintain enough charge to power on instantly even after 800 days of complete inactivity, thanks to its Smart Power Saving Mode that automatically switches off after seven days without use.
Eye comfort over resolution
Where the Pad Neo boasts a higher-resolution 2,4K display, the Pad SE opts for practicality with its 11-inch LCD screen running at 1920×1200 resolution (Full HD+) and offering 500 nits brightness. The key differentiator lies in its Anti-Reflective Matte Display technology, which uses nano-level etching to eliminate 97% of light interference.
This creates what OPPO describes as a “paper-like” reading experience, with TÜV Rheinland certification for reflection-free, low blue light, and flicker-free performance. The matte finish should particularly benefit users who spend extended periods reading or working outdoors.
AI integration matches Neo’s
Despite its budget positioning, the Pad SE doesn’t skimp on intelligent features. Google’s Gemini AI model provides conversational assistance, idea generation, and real-time translation across core apps including Gmail, YouTube, and Maps.
OPPO’s own AI Assistant for Notes and AI Intelligent Document features help users organise and refine content directly on the device, whilst the integrated Kids Mode allows parents to manage screen time and app access from the home screen.
Seamless device integration
The tablet’s O+ Connect system enables effortless file sharing between devices, whilst Communication Sharing allows the Pad SE to piggyback on a paired phone’s mobile network and GPS without manual setup. Screen Mirroring displays phone notifications directly on the tablet with full-screen app support.
A drag-and-drop feature simplifies moving content between devices, making it straightforward to edit phone-captured photos or videos on the tablet’s larger display.
Compares to Pad Neo
The two tablets serve distinctly different user needs within OPPO’s range. The Pad Neo offers superior camera specifications, a sharper 2,4K display, and faster overall performance, making it better suited for media consumption and productivity tasks.
The Pad SE trades these premium features for significantly longer battery life and a more comfortable viewing experience. Its lack of expandable storage and basic camera setup positions it as an entry-level option for users prioritising affordability and endurance over cutting-edge specifications.
Market positioning
At R6 000, the Pad SE enters a competitive segment dominated by basic Android tablets and older iPad models. Its combination of generous battery capacity, eye-friendly display technology, and AI integration suggests OPPO is targeting users who need a reliable secondary device for reading, streaming, and light productivity tasks.
The tablet will be available exclusively in Twilight Blue when it reaches South African retailers on 1 July 2025.
